McIlroy Set To Make Tournament Of Champions debut

Rory McIlroy is looking forward to making his debut in the Tournament of Champions after a change of schedule at the start of 2019. The Northern Irishman has been eligible to play in the restricted-field event on six previous occasions but has never taken up the opportunity, preferring to begin his season on the European tour’s desert swing.

However he will to fly to Hawaii for the season-opener which takes place between January 3-6 and is relishing the chance off a first look at the venue.

“It’s a meaningful tournament to qualify for, because you have to win to get in, and winning is not easy on the PGA Tour,” he said in a statement. “I can’t wait to get out to Maui in January to experience the Plantation Course and everything the island has to offer.”

The 29-year-old qualified for the event by winning the 2018 Arnold Palmer Invitational, with a three-shot victory over Bryson DeChambeau, and the duo are set to renew acquaintances when they line up in the Ryder cup later this month.